1. Maya Caves James Doyle ARCH 2410
“…the most sacred locations are those that combine the fundamental elements of earth and water in a unified sacred expression of the power of the earth…the cenote, a cave feature, defines the center…”
Brady (1997: 603)

2. Setting

3. Mesoamerican Caves
Teotihuacan
Chalcatzingo

4. Preclassic Maya
San Bartolo

5. WITZ - CH’E’EN

6. Caves as “Homes” of the Dead
Art Institute of Chicago Panel
Piedras Negras Stela 40

7. Watery Places

8. Caves as Canvas
Tixkuytun,
Yucatan
Jolja, Chiapas
La Palita, Guatemala

9. Caves as Pilgrimage Sites
Naj Tunich,
Guatemala
Erotic
Scenes
Visit from Calakmul Lord
“see road,
see spirit-companion”
Musicians
Ball-players
Multiple Small texts

10. Scenes of Important Events?
Museo Principe Maya, Coban, Guatemala
( ) 9 Ajaw 3 Muwaan, Jan. 31, AD 426
Jolja Cave, Chiapas

11. Caves Guiding Settlement

12. Cave-Place Animate, vital Ritual activity - “multilocality”
Classic Maya “dwelling”
Transculturation/continuity